Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Savannah Maddison

Savannah Maddison is changing the world, and at only nineteen, she’s accomplished more than many will in a lifetime. Not only is she a CAA country-pop artist, she’s also a published author, award-winning philanthropist, and social media influencer who’s inspiring us all.

At the age of ten, she founded Savannah’s Soldiers, an organization that sends letters of encouragement to servicemen and women around the world. Last year, she released her first book, Sincerely: YOU, Letter Writing to Change the World, with Penguin Random House.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Savannah to chat about her career and her newest single “If You Can.”

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Savannah: I have always loved to sing, but I started taking music seriously when I was ten and auditioned to sing the national anthem for the Miami Marlins. After being booked for the season, I fell in love with being on stage! I haven’t stopped writing and performing since.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Savannah: So many things, but I think the biggest has been moving to Nashville. I grew up in South Florida where there isn’t a huge country music audience. The first time I visited Nashville when I was ten, I fell in love with the city. I’ve been here for two years now and love being completely submerged in the music culture.

PC: At only nineteen, you’re already a successful artist, author, philanthropist, and influencer. How do you balance all of your endeavors? Is it ever a challenge?
Savannah: Thank you so much! I’m really lucky to love all of the things that I do, so the only challenging aspect is managing my time. With my busy schedule picking up even more recently, I’m definitely learning to prioritize!

PC: You’ve had tons of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Savannah: Being signed to CAA was a huge moment that definitely changed my life. I’ve worked in music since I was nine, and I have always dreamed of moving to Nashville. Finally being signed gave me the opportunity to move from Florida! I definitely cried happy tears leaving the meeting. It was amazing.

PC: You’re constantly spreading messages of positivity to your young fans. Have you always known that you wanted to use your platform for good?
Savannah: Absolutely! We’ve all struggled with the pressures of social media, so when I started gaining my following, I knew I wanted to be a light for other young people online. I try to spread positivity with every post! It’s been an incredible tool when it comes to connecting with #safannahs and sharing my music.

PC: Tell us about your new single “If You Can.” What inspired the song?
Savannah: During my most recent trip to LA, I had a writing session scheduled with Andrew Lane. The night before we wrote, he sent me the incredible track we’d be writing to for inspiration and I was so excited about the music that I decided to get started early. I had the entire song done in twenty minutes and the next morning, I brought it to Andrew to perfect.

We loved the concept of a whirlwind relationship and falling in love quickly, and I came up with the “catch me if you can” hook to encompass the feeling of falling for someone fast and hoping that they feel the same way.

PC: If the COVID-19 situation gets under control, you’ll be hitting the road this summer. What can fans expect when they head to a Savannah Maddison show?
Savannah: I can’t wait to meet everyone! I’m planning on releasing even more music before then, so it’ll definitely be filled with lots of surprises.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Savannah: Lauv! I recently learned his song “Tattoos Together” for a cover. It’s a totally different style than I normally listen to, but I love it.

PC: First album you bought?
Savannah: Taylor Swift! I’ve loved her music since I was super little.

PC: First concert you attended?
Savannah: I’ve grown up going to a ton of concerts, but I remember my mom taking me to a Jo Dee Messina concert when I was little and getting to meet her. It was amazing!

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Savannah: Kelsea Ballerini’s Unapologetically—I love every song on this album, but my favorite song is “Graveyard.” I remember waiting up until midnight to listen on the night it was released. I feel like her sound is such a cool blend between country and pop.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Savannah: I would die to perform at the CMAs! I’ve watched the show every year since I was little.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Savannah: A good book. I love to read, so I’m always stopping at a bookstore before traveling!

To keep up with Savannah, follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Logan Elder